Voting record or position paper on reproductive rights and separation of religion and state

Leadership positions in Senate or House

Committee assignments

State or district demographics

Case-by-case analysis of the race and the opposition

Electability

Financial need.

Although each election contest is judged on its particular merits, JACPAC sticks with incumbent friends over challengers; stays out of primaries (unless the primary IS the race); stays out of races in which candidates on both sides equally meet JACPAC's criteria.

A JACPAC recommendation means a candidate meets JACPAC’s criteria and is generally aligned with our values. It does not always guarantee a perfect record on every vote or issue.

Congressional elections are held every two years for all seats in the House of Representatives and one third of the Senate. Senate terms are six years, and House terms are two years.

How to communicate with Congress

JAC recommends personal comunications -- individually generated. These will be tallied and will usually result in a personal reply from your senator or representative) Call, write or email your Representative and Senators. Let them know where you stand on issues that are important to you. Do it often! Your calls or letters may be as simple as the samples below, but we recommend that you be brief, to the point, and always respectful.

All senators and representatives can be reached by calling the Capitol Switchboard 202 224-3121

SAMPLE PHONE CALL:

"Hello. My name is _____ and I am a constituent (or, if not a constituent, I am a concerned citizen or I am calling because the Senator or Rep. chairs such-and-such committee). I would like to register my opinion on the issue of ______ (name issue or bill number). I am in favor of/opposed to _____. [Here you may add a brief supporting sentence.] Please pass this information along to Senator ______/Rep.______. Thank you."

SAMPLE LETTER, FAX OR EMAIL:

The Honorable _______ _______

United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

or

The Honorable ______ ____

United States House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Senator/Representative ______:

I am writing as a constituent (or, if not a constituent, as a concerned citizen or because the Senator or Rep. chairs such-and-such committee) to ask you to support/vote against _______ (issue - or bill number). This issue is important and deserves your attention. [Her you may add any brief additional supporting comments.]

Sincerely,

Your name, address

Elected Officials Contact Information

Contact information for the White House:
Send a message via the White House comments page at https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact.Call the White House switchboard is at 202-456-1414.